The nucleus of PLANET FULL OF BLUES is the duo of JOHNNY RAY LIGHT on Guitars & Lead Vocals and BROCK HOWE on Drums & Background Vocals.  Their self titled release "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", which consists of eleven originals by JOHNNY, features the following special guests: JAMES ALBRIGHT on Bass; ERIC STARK on Trumpets and Horn Arrangements; RICHARD YEAGER on Saxophones; PAUL DRAPER on Hammond B3 Organ; and LARRY GANN on Percussion and Background Vocals.  I'd also like to give credit to BETTY "MS. SHABOOM" CREDLE......not so much for being the discs Cover Model, but for the great sense of humor she obviously has.

 

    Seeking medical help for his ailments, JOHNNY felt a bit relieved when his doctor said "There's nothing wrong with you.....you "GOT THE BLUES".  Avoiding the 'Take two aspirin and call me in the morning' remedy, Johnny's doctor flat out told him "There's nothing you can do, when you got the blues - you just gotta move your shoes".  Alright Doc!  This track features great vocals and hot guitar from JOHNNY and fierce rhythm from BROCK, JAMES and PAUL on the drums, bass & Hammond.  Real good stuff right here. 

 

    "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", The title track and bands moniker, is one of three tracks that will have you wishing ERIC & RICHARD appeared on more than just these three - their horns are fabulous and certainly one of this tracks highlights.  The others are BROCK creating a frenzy on the drums and more strong vocals and guitar from JRL.

 

    Slowing things down a bit is a beautiful ballad titled "COMING FROM A FRIEND".  The whole bands fallen into a soothing groove and it sounds real nice.  Although I've heard a slight resemblance to Blood, Sweat & Tears since the opening, JOHNNY'S vocals will surely perk up the David Clayton-Thomas fans ears.

 

    If you like your blues on the funky side, then here's one for your "MONEY".  ERIC & RICHARD are back on the horns, and with killer company from BROCK & JAMES on drums and bass, they're funkin' this one up big time.  If you're not movin' while this one's on then either you ears or your arteries are clogged.

 

    By now, you all know what it means when I say a particular track on a disc is my personal favorite.  On   "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", that track is "MAN TAMER" - and yes, it's 'cause it the bluesiest track of them all.  With the rhythm section in just the right spot behind them, JOHNNY & PAUL shine.  Of course, there are some great blues guitar licks and gritty vocals from JOHNNY and PAUL - at discs best, has that Hammond hummin'.  Replays are in order here.

 

    Other tracks on "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", include: "PAIN WILL MELT AWAY", "YOU CAN'T ALWAYS BE RIGHT", "MISS HER SMILE", "DIRTY PAINS", "WHEN WILL YOU SEE THINGS MY WAY" and a fast and frenzied closing instrumental called "E-JAM". 

 

    You know the drill.  Now it's time for you to go to www.planetfullofblues.com to buy the disc and tell JOHNNY & BROCK that the Blewzzman sent ya.

    

    This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com